Oscar's Wines -- a Sterling Selection! And Montblanc's UNICEF Event!

(HuffingtonPost) - Although I am a long-time member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (since 1972, when my production of Lady Sings the Blues received five nominations), I chose to spend Oscar night Sunday comfortably ensconced in my warm bedroom watching the show while wining-and-dining on various favorite things. This year it was a bottle of Laetitia's Brut Cuvee, a sparkling wine which I really favor. (Their Brut Rose, incidentally, is the finest on the planet, more than equal to Dom Perignon's version.) A bottle of Justin's Isoceles red was waiting in the wings. Food was some home-made chicken liver pate, much better than the store-bought version, made with sauteed onions and mushrooms, one anchovy filet, secret spices, the fresh livers cooked 'til rare and then blended in a food processor. Delicious. Followed by braised short ribs and sautéed Chinese vegetables. Ending with a few pieces of rich dark chocolate from Monsieur Marcel's shop. However, sitting on my dining room table are two spectacular bottles of wine, which I had received that very morning after a very special lunch this week with a female winemaker named Alison Crary. I had been curious about the wine being served by Chef Wolfgang Puck at the exclusive Governor's Ball after the Oscar ceremony on Sunday... and she had all the answers.

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